Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 20 Jan: Members of the Doon Auto Rickshaw Union organised a march to the Chief Minister’s residence today to press their long-standing demands. However, the protesters were intercepted by police near Globe Chowk. After they were stopped from proceeding further, the, union members staged a dharna on the road itself and raised slogans against the government’s transport policies.
Pankaj Arora, President of the Doon Auto Rickshaw Union, stated that auto drivers have parked their vehicles at designated stands identified by the Municipal Corporation at the bus stand, railway station, and other key locations for the past 55 years. He highlighted that Dehradun’s auto drivers have consistently provided door-to-door service for tourists and their luggage. He further noted that, if a passenger leaves belongings behind by mistake, drivers ensure the items are honourably returned to their rightful owners. Despite this service and the honest payment of registration fees, road tax, and fitness test charges, Arora alleged that the Uttarakhand government is adopting a double-standard policy that threatens the livelihood of auto drivers.
The union leaders expressed specific grievances regarding the struggles faced by operators of CNG-powered autos. They argued that the government has permitted various types of vehicles to operate in the same areas, leading to frequent accidents and a lack of employment opportunities for CNG auto drivers. Union President Pankaj Arora stressed that the two-wheelers with private registration plates are operating commercially through online platforms. This illegal competition has significantly impacted the business of CNG auto rickshaw drivers, which they described as a matter of grave concern.
The union has called for an immediate 10-year moratorium on the registration of new electric autos and e-rickshaws, citing that their excessive numbers in the city have left CNG drivers without work. Furthermore, they demanded that the 3+1 permit radius for auto rickshaws be extended from the current 25 kilometres to 40 kilometres. In addition, they also urged that the auto drivers be permitted to ferry passengers to and from Jolly Grant Airport.
The protesters also highlighted that e-rickshaws are increasingly operating on main arterial roads. They demanded that these vehicles be restricted to internal neighbourhoods and lanes in accordance with the rules. Additionally, the union requested that the vehicle fitness centre be relocated to a more central location within Dehradun district or that manual testing be reinstated, alongside the opening of testing centres at more accessible nearby locations.
